1ST FULL DAY ON ISLAND CAYOS COCHINOS

July 2, 2013

3rd day in Honduras.  Finally, first day testing the waters and checking out the coral reefs and all they have to offer.  Headed out mid-morning, weather awesome and water crystal clear.  Saw many varieties of sponges, corals and fishes.  Several types of parrot fish, brain coral, tube sponges, sea fans, tang fish and even a turtle at a distance.  Investigated the purple sea fans looking for flamingo tongues attached to them.  We were investigating whether they have any affect on the sea fans since several sea fans have turned yellow and flamingo tongues seem to be the only noticeable reason.  Although while researching I came across a brilliant purple sea fan where 3-4 fish of an unknown variety at this time where appearing to eat the edges of the fan.  Whether this has any affect on the sea fan is unknown and further research is needed.  It may be the flamingo tongues are a vector carrying a disease than turns them yellow or there could be other factors, such as the fish, that may affect them.  This will continue to be studied along with an overall view of the coral reef habitat.